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User Reviews

Iron Key
Iron Key

Iron Key allows you to encrypt files from the Windows Explorer right-click menu, and create a self-decrypting EXE file, that can be sent via email and does not require the receiver to install any dec ...

Average of 3 user ratings: 4
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  • Sep 24, 2006
  • For version:
  • 1.3

quote  Easy, champion encrypted files  quote

  • Interface: 5
  • Features: 5
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 5

This program stands out as the best encryption program when you need portable/emailed encrypted data. The primary function creates password-protected self extracting files. The recipient does not need to have IronKey installed to unpack the encrypted file. RE: e-mailing encrypted files, most e-mail services will block files with ".exe" or ".bat" extensions, among other malicious attachments. IronKey encrypts to self extracting files which automatically have the "exe" extension. The simple solution for email is to rename the file from from "myfile.exe" to "myfile.exe.xyz" or some other extension that won't ID the attachment as a problem. The user simply renames the temp name to the original "exe" and they can extract information with the correct password.

user Review by: CharlesK (11)
Read all 11 reviews by CharlesK


  • Feb 24, 2005
  • For version:
  • 1.3

quote  A cinch to use, easy to use in email.  quote

  • Interface: 4
  • Features: 3
  • Ease of use: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 4

The great thing about IronKey is it's simplicity. Simply drag and drop onto the shortcut, enter the password and you are done. If you want to send in an email to pretty much ANY email service (yes, even Hotmail, I've tested this) simply rename the file to end with a common extension that is not exe. doc is good, try to stay away from .jpg because some webmail software tries to display these files and they are difficult to download. Changing the filename actually adds a small amount of additional security because casual observers who may try to open the file will think it is corrupt or incomplete rather than immediately realizing it is an encrypted file, since it asks for a password. All in all, highly recommended for those who have occasional encryption needs and could not talk others into installing public/private key encryption systems or other encryption software. Chris

user Review by: Chris_H
First post


  • Jul 07, 2004
  • For version:
  • 1.3

quote  Nice. but you cant use it everywhere  quote

  • Interface: 3
  • Features: 3
  • Ease of use: 4
  • Value: 5
  • Overall: 3

Well this utility "sounds" good. But when i made a test file to send over the email (an advertised feature of Iron Key),i attached the encrypted jpeg (Iron Key makes into an encrypted .exe) onto my Hotmail message. When it arrived at the other end, Hotmail had "permanently" blocked the file. There is nothing i can do. I cant override Hotmail's block. I don't know who to be annoyed with. Hotmail? or Iron Key? Either way,it shows that because many email providers are getting overly concerned about .exe file attachments,this may render all these "self decrypting" email attachment programs, useless it seems. Seems that Iron Key is now only for Desktop Use.

user Review by: Pandora (12)
Read all 12 reviews by Pandora